The Putnams of Salem: A Novel of Power and Betrayal During the Salem Witch Trials

by Greg Houle

It's 1692, and the people of Salem, Massachusetts, are on edge. Amid squabbles over religion and land and fears of hostile natives lurks the ever-present terror of the devil's influence. When young girls suddenly begin to claim they are being tormented by local "witches," a chilling hysteria grips the town. At the center of the maelstrom is one family, headed by the well-respected Thomas Putnam, whose daughter Ann happens to be one of the accusing girls. Survival, betrayal, and the binding ties of a family's darkest secrets converge as we uncover the haunting secrets that bind the Putnams' legacy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Halloween, Witches

334 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2024

About the author

Greg Houle is a writer and storyteller living in Los Angeles. His work has appeared in numerous publications and he is the creator and host of the Salem Witch Trials Podcast. The Putnams of Salem is his first novel.

Reviews

[Anna Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes you back to 1692 to the time of unknowns. No one was safe. I loved that the Putnam's is told through a 1st person perspectives of a Father and daughter. A different point of view in a very important historical event of the witch trials.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB
It's 1692, and the people of Salem, Massachusetts, are on edge. Amid squabbles over religion and land and fears of hostile natives lurks the ever-present terror of the devil's influence. When young girls suddenly begin to claim they are being tormented by local "witches," a chilling hysteria grips the town. At the center of the maelstrom is one family, headed by the well-respected Thomas Putnam, whose daughter Ann happens to be one of the accusing girls. Survival, betrayal, and the binding ties of a family's darkest secrets converge as we uncover the haunting secrets that bind the Putnams' legacy.
334 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2024
REVIEW
A fascinating tale highlighting the early history of this country and the pervasive attitudes of those folks who carved a civilization out of the wilderness. Witchcraft becomes the focal point that threatens the very existence of “The City on a Hill” concept envisioned by the powers that be. Powers that dominate the primitive mindset of the theological right to subdue the wild places and the people who have lived there for thousands of years. It is a personal tale of grief and loss set against the perceived influence of demonic possession; a superstitious invasion that goes against everything the founders intended – a Theocracy-controlled colony.
In some personal ways, this book was difficult to read. I have had a belly full of Christianity’s history of un-Christlike behavior. Imagine, if you will, a boatload of people braving the perils of sailing across the Atlantic to escape religious persecution, only to establish an unforgiving, arrogant theocracy. That’s not to say the book is difficult to read, on the contrary, it is a well-written, well-researched endeavor that kept me turning the pages despite my thoughts on the subject matter.  It’s relevance to today is evident by the fact that Salem MA now celebrates the whole month of October – Haunted Happenings – a financial boon for the town built around Halloween and the witch hysteria. So, my fellow readers, it’s a popular subject, witchcraft, and the author has given us a 5-star look at the history of the town I live in.

[Abigail Bok]

I’m afraid I couldn’t get on with this book. The research into the prevalent religious beliefs in witchcraze-era Salem, Massachusetts, seemed quite thorough, but I found it very disjointed, I have an allergy to books written in the present tense, and there were terrible word substitutions often repeated. Promising concept but needed a strong editor. The third time “process” was used in place of “profess” I got too distracted.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always fascinated by the happening in Salem during the time of the witch trials. I gravitate to books about the actual trials or those that attempt to explain it via fictional accounts. It is fascinating to try to ponder how one community could spin out of control with accusations of witchcraft AND have children who by all accounts seem truly afflicted. How can it be explained other than by a multi-factorial storm of events? This is a fictional story of the trials told from point of view of Thomas Putnam (a prolific accuser) AND another point of view from his daughter (who is afflicted but also accuser). Why did the girls truly believe they were sick? Because of the difficulty of the lives of girls and women at the time, their pious nature, and their desire to please the elders while being told they are sinners created delusional mental anguish OR was there a poisonous toxin in play? Did, at the same time, those elders, religious leaders, magistrates etc. continue to accuse and condemn for notoriety in the community with its heavy religious foundation out of “fear of the other and the unknown, as well as a desire to hold onto power and privilege at all costs”? I enjoyed this short book just because it was another immersion into the trials through the possibile thoughts and actions of Thomas and Anna Putnam.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Mr Houles book. Surprising ending and makes me wonder so much about that time and what people were thinking and feeling.

It's definitely a must-read.

[Joanna Helou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found the themes to be very relevant. It's an interesting take on a part of US history that mmost people are familiar with, but typically don't analyze as deeply. Highly recommend!

[Glassworks Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Sophia Nigro

The Salem Witch Trials are infamous in American history. Nineteen people in Salem were hanged after four young girls accused local women of witchcraft, and things spiraled out of control. Two of the most well-known people from this incident were 12-year-old Ann “Anna” Putnam, Jr., one of the original accusers, and her father, Thomas Putnam, Jr. No one will truly know what was going through their heads during this time, but Greg Houle tries to answer this question in his historical fiction novel, The Putnams of Salem.
What first stood out to me in this book was Houle himself. This book differs from other interpretations of the witch trials because Houle himself is a descendant of the Putnam family. He begins the book with an author’s note, detailing the witch trials and his personal history with it. On a trip to Salem with his wife and daughter, he became more interested and states that “[he] felt compelled to explore them and bring them to life through [his] own writing” (7-8). You can feel this family connection throughout his writing. As he attempts to get into the heads of Thomas and Anna, you can tell he’s grappling with their actions and trying to figure out why they did what they did. Family can be complicated, but it is clear Houle tries to work through these complications through his writing.
It’s the use of both Thomas’s and Anna’s points of view that allows Houle to bring the dead back to life. While both are featured in each chapter, the difference between them makes an interesting contrast. The chapters always start with Thomas and how he’s dealing with the situation, with the text being in a traditional font. Houle creates a very complex and intriguing character with Thomas as his writing invites readers to sympathize with him while also still describing the truth of his actions. At many times, Houle focuses on Thomas’s judgmental and hateful side. For example, Thomas describes Sarah Good, one of the accused women, as someone who has “always been eager to take advantage of [their] Christian charity” and he also insults her disheveled appearance (57-58). Houle’s word choice reflects how Thomas could be cruel, elitist, and overall uncaring and unsympathetic towards people he deems lesser than himself. One begins to wonder, why exactly are we focusing on such a horrid person? These thoughts persist as Houle continues to portray Thomas’ darker side, having him say the justice he seeks is “higher-minded” than the other Salem residents, believing that God is testing them (65). From this, not only do we see the impact religion has had on Thomas, but we see the version of him that everyone already knows: the man who accused innocent people of witchcraft and led them to their deaths.
Yet, Houle brings us back as he reveals the softer, more human parts of Thomas. He writes Thomas as someone who deeply cares for his family. There’s a touching scene with his wife Ann, one of the afflicted, where he tries to break through her dissociative state. Houle shows him to be desperate, begging to see a glimpse of the woman his wife used to be. As Ann briefly emerges from her dissociative state, we see a more joyful and loving side of Thomas as he celebrates this breakthrough (102). This is a stark contrast to Houle’s earlier portrayals, where he’s much colder, callous, and composed. This complexity continues through his daughter Anna’s point of view where he’s very loving and caring towards her. Anna, who is also afflicted, describes his worry for her and her health. He wants her to get better but doesn’t know how to help. Houle again brings a sense of humanity to Thomas, creating a balance between the good and the bad within him. While we cannot know how much of these scenes are based in fact, Houle makes it so you can’t help but feel at least a little sympathy for Thomas. His actions cannot be excused, but Houle’s lens, possibly in an attempt to deal with his complicated ancestry, helps explain that Thomas just was a husband and father who wanted to help his family.
Each chapter ends with Anna’s point of view, shown through the text becoming italicized. Hers differs from Thomas’, as it focuses more on her inner turmoil as she grapples with her part in the witch trials. Houle specifically highlights the religious impact the trials had on her. With each chapter, he leads Anna to fall more into darkness and despair as she experiences terrifying visions, causing her to believe she’s in the devil’s grasp. At one point, she asks herself, “Does he [Reverend Parris] know I am the devil? I have always been aware that I have faults. I know I must have brought this upon myself. I have allowed myself to fall into some devious trap set by the devil” (79). Houle lets Anna take the blame for the things happening to her, which fits due to her young age. She’s simply too young to understand she’s blameless and the situation is much bigger than her. It’s upsetting yet riveting to see such a young character deal with these thoughts, especially as Houle’s voice is so genuine. It allows us to sincerely believe that these are Anne’s words and thoughts we are hearing, and create sympathy for her as well.
Anna’s view is also distinct as she brings some sympathy towards other characters. This is mainly seen through Tituba, as she describes her in a much more positive light than her father. While Thomas believes her to be a “heathen” working with the devil, Anna worries for her (62, 25). She says how she “never witnessed an inkling of wickedness in Tituba’s manner,” and believes that even if Tituba had brought the devil to Salem, she must have done so “unwittingly” (70-71). Considering the focus on violence and hatred spewed about Tituba from Thomas’ point of view, it’s refreshing to see someone speak kindly of her. It’s from her young mind that we find a character we can sympathize with a bit easier, knowing that she was just a child who didn’t know any better during this time.
Through The Putnams of Salem, Houle works through his complicated family history in a captivating narrative. While everyone may know how the story ends, we’re finally able to get into the heads of Salem residents and find out why everything happened the way it did. It’s an interesting and compelling read as you’ll find yourself wanting to hear more. For those who are interested in historical fiction, or possibly the Salem Witch trials themselves, this is the perfect book for you.

[Emily Kraemer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book as the Salem Witch Trials have always interested me but unfortunately this book was a miss for me. It was written with two narrators, in a writing style that resembles diary entries. No time was spent explaining the setting or describing what was going on through the timeline. All we’re reading is the internal monologue of two people.

[Kaela Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Alas, I am treading on perilous ground. It is not for me to say what the work of witches is.”

What a time in history that I can’t seem to tear myself away from. This story was told from the Putnams POV- where you’re viewing it from Thomas , Ann & Anna’s POV. You go through a wicked amount of emotions- from feeling anger, sorrow, worry, insanity and grief all mixed together.

Although this is a work of historical fiction, there’s been a tremendous amount of knowledge with genuine pieces of the trials as well as the mindsets of the Putnams from the authors thought process.

As always, when I read books on the trials I find my heart breaks for Tituba and John Indian… reading him beating her and her being in the state of mind she was in… down to Goody and Sarah - you just feel every raw emotion and I have to say Greg did a fantastic job at giving you the tools to switch from the POVs with italics but- by his writing.

When you’re reading it, you feel like you’re living that moment. When you’re reading about The Black Man- as I said in an update- it felt like I was reading about the Moonlight Man in Gerald’s Game by Stephen King. You get this eerie… haunting and terrifying vibe that you can feel emanate from the pages.

*** I also really want to stress reading the prologue and epilogue… I know many people skip it but I believe it’s important within this work of literature to read. I also want to express that the authors note is sentimental, and expresses Greg’s want to write the novel - I think reading this from cover to cover is how you should so you can get the full experience of WHY this was written how it was.

I’ve read countless books from the Salem Witch trials and this one stood out in being one that made me sit in a different side of an uncomfortable reality. I’m glad to have read it and I thank Greg for sending me a copy to read and honestly review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

After following Houle's podcast I was excited to read his book. I enjoyed how the narration put me into 1692 with the language as it was used then. It gave an authenticity.

This being said I am usually not a fan of first person narrative but the use of it here, in my opinion served the story perfectly. By being in first person it kept the reader in a single mind frame. It demonstrated the same unyielding mindset that the puritans had. There was no wavering of Thomas's ideals and beliefs.

The bouncing between Ann and Thomas kept me interested the whole time. I couldn't figure out what approach Houle would use to explain what happened in Salem and having Ann's stream of consciousness kept me going to the last pages.

I personally enjoyed this book. Anyone with interest in the Salem witch trials should give it a read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly engaging and left me eager for more! I truly appreciated the author’s writing style. The fact that he’s a descendant of the Putnams adds an intriguing layer. While I’ve mainly encountered spooky tales about the Salem Witch Trials, this book stands out by exploring the psychological aspects in a way I haven’t seen before. I gained a deeper understanding of the trials through this book and its accompanying podcast than I ever did in school. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am halfway through the book. Such a wonderful read this far. I was super excited to get this book. I am a Putnam and I am working on my family tree, on ancestry, and I have tracked back, so far, that a lot of my ancestors were in Salem, Ma. So, reading and listening to, "The Putnams of Salem", is very interesting to me. I love reading on how things were done back then. A must read.

[Prioleau Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I primarily read non-fiction, but was intrigued by the idea of reading not about the events, but the author's interpretation of what the residents were thinking about the events.
The voices he used were, I felt, very appropriate for what the participants must've thinking and going through during this insane chapter in America's history...
Great storytelling.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprising amount of primary sources exist regarding the Salem Witch Trials. Those sources tell us what various people said and did. It's more difficult to try to figure out why. In this well written novel, Houle does an admirable job of trying to get at what some of the major players were thinking. One might call it educated speculation, but it rings true. The book is a good read for anyone interested in the trials.

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted this book to be a great Salem historical fiction and while reading it did seem to travel you to Salem and before it was difficult to follow. Ann's accounts were complicated to follow. I did enjoy the accounts of the hysteria that filled the town.

[Marie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take on the Salem witch trails. Somewhat captivating, left me wondering what really happened. Made me want to understand the why of this event, which we will never truly know. It was worth the read.

[kaelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a good book, especially for fall/spooky time! although a work of fiction, i can see how many things that occurred could have truly happened.

[Lisa Kamhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel offers an interesting take on the Salem witch trials. The story is told by both Thomas Putnam and his daughter Ann. I listen to the authors podcast about the same subject matter!

[Christina's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful fictionalish telling of events
of the Salem witch trials from a novel perspective. It very much kept me engaged in the journey. I highly recommend.

[Rebecca]

DNF 65%

[Missy Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to reserve my review for when I read the book as I listened on Audible. Narrators were a bit flat. I intend to read the book. I really like Greg Houle and enjoy his podcast.

[Carrie Birde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal…
In his 2024 debut novel “The Putnams of Salem”, Greg Houle – descendant of the titular family – takes the reader to Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692 as the small community finds itself succumbing to its darkest aspects. Mr. Houle does not rewrite history nor minimize the harm done during Salem’s witch trials; rather, he attempts to delve into the 17th-century time, place, and mindset to shed light on how and why such horrific events could have transpired. As any historian would say, only through examining the mistakes of our past can we hope to avoid repeating them.

[Rilynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect novel to read if you want a deep dive into the Salem Witch Trials from the perspective of a very key figure during this time.

This book truly feels like it took the ethics, morals, and beliefs of this time and rationalized them in a way that these people would have believed during this time. It essentially places you in the head of what someone would have been thinking and believing during this time, and as I mentioned it lets you see how they rationalized events such as this. It's honestly so bizarre and crazy, but that's because this period of time was so vastly different from our modern thinking. So this difference really made this book such an interesting read for me.

I am no expert on the Salem Witch trials, but I had a huge obsession with it when I was in high school/middle school so I do have some background knowledge. From my perspective, I felt like I could really see how Houle had done deep and thorough research on this time period, and it felt very true to what I knew about this time.

Overall I was impressed with this book and how it transported me to this time, and allowed me to immerse myself into the head and thoughts of a person who would have belonged to this narrative.